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Dear Friends,

It has been an incredibly busy and high-stakes week both in Canada and abroad. As we navigate a world of shifting alliances and growing conflict, my commitment remains to keep you informed on how our government is working to protect Canadians and build a more secure future.

Navigating the Crisis in the Middle East

I had previously sent out a special update on this issue last week, and the situation throughout the Middle East remains unpredictable following the joint airstrikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, 2026, and the subsequent retaliatory strikes by the Iranian regime, which expanded the scope of the conflict to other countries.

Our government’s position is clear: we view the Islamic Republic of Iran as the principal source of instability and terror in the region, and we support the efforts of our allies to prevent the regime from obtaining nuclear weapons.  I would also note the Iranian regime has caused the death of many Canadians and has been responsible for murders around the world including the bombing of the Argentinian Jewish community offices at the AMIA.

Our priority has been helping Canadians who wish to leave the region to get out and my office has been providing information to constituents and their families in the region.  There are approximately 109,000 Canadians who have registered with Global Affairs Canada and about 4500 have requested assistance from Global Affairs Canada to leave, many of whom have departed the region over the last few days.  We have been arranging block buying of seats for Canadians to leave Lebanon and the UAE, and for buses leaving Qatar and Israel to bring Canadians to safer destinations where Global Affairs staff are assisting in facilitating further travel if needed. We are also offering surge support near the Iranian border for those escaping Iran to assist Canadians with visa requirements and arranging onward travel.

If anyone in the region has not registered through the Registration of Canadians abroad, please encourage them to do so, and the 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre can be reached at memo.sos@international.gc.ca

Strengthening the Canada-Mexico Alliance

This week, I traveled with a bipartisan delegation of MPs and Senators to Mexico, one of our most essential allies. Our trade relationship is more important than ever as we look to stabilize and grow our economy.

We have had a very productive series of discussions:

We began with meetings at our embassy and with civil society leaders to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape.

I then joined my colleagues at the Mexican Chamber of Deputies and the Mexican Senate. We met with about 40 members of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies and about 25 Senators over the course of our visit and had both public sessions and private meetings.  One highlight was a meeting with the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss expanding our relationship in key areas like trade and security. We then met with State legislators of Nuevo Leon. The reception was incredibly warm, and I believe the potential for our partnership is limitless.

We also met with business leaders, the heads of Chambers of Commerce as well as grassroots organizations to expand their knowledge of opportunities that they have in order to work with Canadian companies.

Expanding International Partnerships: India, Australia, and Beyond

While we focus on North America, we are also diversifying our interests globally through new strategic partnerships.

The Canada-India Partnership: Prime Minister Carney visited Mumbai and New Delhi this week to renew our relationship with the world’s fastest-growing major economy. We secured a landmark $2.6 billion agreement for Saskatoon-based Cameco to supply uranium to India for clean energy. Furthermore, we are deepening our cultural ties with 13 new university partnerships, including new Centres of Excellence for McGill University and the University of Toronto in India. Our goal is to more than double two-way trade to $70 billion by 2030.

The Carney-Albanese Alliance: This week, Prime Minister Carney also made a historic trip to Sydney and Canberra, marking the first bilateral visit of a Canadian Prime Minister to Australia in nearly twenty years. While in Canberra, he met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to sign a joint statement that strengthens our cooperation across energy, investment, and security. A key highlight of this visit was Australia joining the Critical Minerals Production Alliance, an initiative that will secure supply chains for the technologies of the future while creating high-paying jobs here in Canada. We are also deepening our defense ties; starting in mid-2026, Canadian Armed Forces personnel will begin training in Australia on the Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar system to better detect and deter threats across our Arctic. On the economic front, the visit successfully mobilized new capital for our nation, with the IFM announcing its intention to invest up to $10 billion in Canada.

Global Investment: Through the Critical Minerals Production Alliance, we are solidifying Canada’s status as a premier global investment destination. This week at the PDAC Convention, we announced a second round of partnerships, unlocking $12.1 billion in project capital with 12 allied partners, including Japan and Australia. These initiatives strengthen our supply chains and reduce strategic vulnerabilities, underpinned by Canada’s AAA credit rating, world-class banking stability, and global leadership in responsible, sustainable mining.

Our Unwavering Commitment to Eradicating Antisemitism

Over the last week three synagogues in Toronto were shot at. I echo Prime Minister Mark Carney’s statement which was as follows:

Last night, two synagogues in Toronto, Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto in Thornhill and Shaarei Shomayim in North York were assaulted by gun shots. Earlier this week, Temple Emanu-El in North York was also maliciously attacked. These criminal antisemitic attacks are an assault on the rights of Jewish Canadians to live and pray in safety. They are also fundamental violations of the Canadian way of life. The federal government will use every tool available to confront antisemitic violence and hatred and protect places of worship.

Canada’s new government has introduced legislation to strengthen the Criminal Code, protect our communities, and combat hate. Federal agencies, including the RCMP, will use every resource to support law enforcement to identify the perpetrators of these crimes and bring them to the full weight of justice.

Over the course of Saturday Liberal Jewish caucus members met with Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and Secretary of State for Combatting Crime, Ruby Sahota and then we as a group met with CIJA. On Sunday all levels of government attended a press conference in one of the synagogues attacked together with police and committed to working across government and policing jurisdictions to combat antisemitism and ensure the perpetrators are brought to Justice.

For the last three months the Combatting Hate Act, the most important legislative measure to deal with hate crimes has been filibustered by the Conservative members of the justice committee. As such we are going to be moving in the House of Commons a motion to force the Justice Committee to vote on all amendments and clauses of the Bill at Wednesday’s meeting. This will be debated in the House of Commons and then voted on Monday and Tuesday.  We can no longer wait to pass this legislation.

As well, important announcements will soon be made about community security infrastructure and programs as indicated by Minister Anandasangaree at Sunday’s press conference. As soon as that happens, I will communicate it to you.

Support for Families and Youth

Tax Season: Tax season is officially here. I encourage everyone to file their returns by April 30 to access the benefits and credits you are entitled to. Free local tax clinics are available through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program for those who qualify.

Youth Employment (YESP): Applications are now open for the 2026-27 Youth Employment and Skills Program. This program provides non-repayable contributions to employers in the agriculture sector who hire youth aged 15 to 30. It covers 50% of wages (up to 80% for certain groups) to help young Canadians build work-ready skills and meaningful careers.

Safety and Readiness

Finally, I was pleased to be at the University of Sherbrooke to announce nearly $500,000 in new funding to strengthen Canada’s search and rescue capabilities. This investment will enhance Arctic ground search and rescue and support advanced avalanche monitoring to keep our communities safe.

Thank you for your continued support as we work to build a stronger, more independent Canada.

Best,

Anthony Housefather